Currently, three versions of the EN-V exist – the Xiao, the Jiao and the Miao. Each one is based on the same mechanical platform and measures about six feet tall, four feet wide and four feet long. All three seat two passengers side by side with a wheel on either end of the center of the car hooked up to a 3KW electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack.

According to GM, the EN-V will be able to reach a top speed of 25mph and have a range of 25 miles. That might seem pretty weak, but it makes sense when you take into account that the car is meant for city life where energy efficiency, short trips, traffic jammed streets and agility are all factors.

Speaking of agility, one of the most noteworthy things about the EN-V is its basis on Segway mechanicals. Its propulsion system is very similar except for the fact that Segway riders are able to control forwards and backwards movement using their balance (interpreted by a series of gyroscopic sensors), while EN-V drivers drive and sit normally (not tilting back and forth), using a by-wire steering system, hand-operated accelerator and brake. Since the EN-V automatically shifts its weight front to rear by electrically adjusting the position of its body relative to the chassis below, it has the ability to instinctively and automatically balance on one axle like a man on a unicycle, making it worlds more maneuverable than a car with two axles. In fact, it can turn 180 degrees within its own body length, and be parked in the most restricted urban spaces.

If you thought that was cool, the EN-V is also capable of what is called ‘vehicle-to-vehicle’ and ‘vehicle-to-network’ communication, meaning it can read, interpret and understand its own location and the road ahead of it using a GPS system, transceivers and cameras on its body. The real clincher? The EN-V can even be ‘fully autonomous’ and drive you to work, drive itself home again and then drive back to pick you (and even a date) up later in the evening.

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4 Comments

It may be that this type of vehicle will take off first, not in our urban centers, but in resort towns and these new suburban mixed-use developments (they used to be called towns, these are more likely incorporated and planned/built ground up, but we are in a cycle of rediscovering things). The hope is that these will be shared vehicles, wherever they wind up getting a curb-hold, encouraging shared resources, discouraging waste, allowing flexibility for the individual and the community – and reaffirming the connection between the two. The new face of public transit may be mini-mass-transit.
further thoughts can be found here: http://littlefascinations.blogspot.com/2010/03/reinventing-automobile-or-urban.html

davidwayneosedachMarch 25, 2010 at 6:33 pm

Looks like these cars would be perfect in the big city. Even our Socal city – San Diego. But can they go at highway speed and if so what happens if there’s an accident?

They look like a Segway takeoff.

feelandtripleMarch 25, 2010 at 2:33 pm

“urban dwellers” in cities with good public transit and/or bike lanes only need motor vehicles when they need to move cargo, travel outside the city or go somewhere with a group of more than 2. this car doesn’t do any of those things. great concept and tech but GM is missing their target audience. It will have a similar fate to the segway – just a trendy gadget, not a replacement for a car.

SangeliaMarch 24, 2010 at 11:20 am

nice cars. but one lil problem. these are couple cars. not family cars. how is one supposed to move the family around in a couple’s car. i can see how you can squeeze 3 into a car. but beyond that. you can not. and it is child abuse to leave kids alone at home. as well as having one in the front seat.
or are we seeing a future where couples are BANNED from having kids. and they are not only raised in a creche. but born in factory type containers. very similar to what was discribed in Brave New World..